Brice M HughesBrice Hughes grew up in Clarksville, Tennessee, then lived in Appalachia for almost 25 years, absorbing the unique language and culture of the region. He currently lives in southeast Iowa. His career path has included hospice social work, parish minitry, public health, and a stint as the owner of a specialty film processing business. Summer days find him as often as possible aboard his sailboat Pneuma, or working in his own or a community garden. Up from Sockless Road is his first novel. He has begun writing the sequel, and a book of devotional meditations is expected to be out soon. Brice Hughes has a writing style that has been described as painterly, drawing details in words that make the story feel rich and lush. He has a real gift for narrative and dialogue; it's not hard at all to hear the character's voices, even for those who aren't from around those parts. He has a special gift for writing the slimy SOB characters in the story. His narrator's voice sounds authentic, accessible, and consistent; a voice a reader would want to lean in to. Junie Stafford, the protagonist, is a compelling heroine. Readers will want to stay with her and cheer her on, and will draw inspiration from her. Read More Read Less